Charlbury Deli

Mon 8 Dec, 08:29 (last edited on Mon 8 Dec, 10:30)

I want to make a new thread on the deli. Because let's face it, the deli needs our help. It has already been forced to cut its opening hours and it is likely to be further challenged by increasing competition.

In the entire long thread on the new shop, I haven't heard a single positive suggestion for how to improve the deli’s situation. Instead, I've seen a lot of complaining that people might want to buy things from a new shop.

I'd like to start a more positive thread and invite some constructive discussion. I’m doing this because I support the deli and want it to be successful. I am not a shareholder of the Deli. 

I will put forward some half-baked idea to get the discussion going:

1. You cannot complain a business into success. If people are seeking an alternative, it’s not because they don’t support the Deli; it’s because it doesn’t sell the kind of things they would like to buy. Mocking people when they make suggestions is not going to help. These are your potential customers.

For many people, the deli does not have an attractive product offering. Sorry to say it. If it wants to be successful it needs to get into listening mode. Less complaining, more listening. For example, it would be helpful to run an open event to find out what the community actually wants from the deli. (I would be willing to help organise this).

2. The deli appears to have a lot of defenders on this forum and yet nobody seems to want to step up and become a director. Rod has done an amazing job but he has made it clear he needs others to join as directors. If you want to support the deli, please consider using your energy constructively by becoming a director.

3. The deli has become insular. It desperately needs to widen participation beyond its 100 shareholders and become open to new ideas. I’ve previously suggested one way to do that - by becoming a true community business and allowing others to become members. (And I’ve offered to help make that happen)

I’m sure others will have good ideas and suggestions - please consider posting your ideas for what you want from the Deli here. Can I ask that the Shareholders try to keep open minds before criticising any ideas that are put forward? Shutting down discussion is not going to make the Deli more successful. It’s just going to alienate its potential customer-base.